Candidates who have successfully registered for the recruitment examination are advised to carefully check their shift timing, reporting schedule, gate closing time, and examination venue mentioned on their admit cards. Reaching the examination centre well before the reporting time is essential to complete verification and security formalities without any inconvenience.

This year's SBI PO recruitment drive aims to fill 1,500 Probationary Officer vacancies, making it one of the most competitive banking examinations in the country.

SBI PO Prelims 2026 Exam Overview

The SBI PO Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process. The examination will be conducted in online mode and will have a total duration of 60 minutes. Candidates will also have to follow section-wise time limits, making effective time management an important factor during the examination.

The detailed shift timingshave already been released along with the SBI PO Admit Card on the official website. Candidates should strictly adhere to the reporting schedule as entry to the examination centre will not be allowed after the gate closing time.

SBI PO Prelims 2026 Shift Timings

Candidates appearing for the examination can check the complete shift-wise schedule below:

SBI PO 2026 Exam Duration

The SBI PO Preliminary examination will be conducted for a total duration of 60 minutes. The question paper will include sectional timing, meaning candidates will have a fixed amount of time to attempt each section. Once the allotted time for a particular section is over, candidates will automatically move to the next section.

Applicants are advised to practice mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy before appearing for the examination.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates should strictly follow all examination instructions issued by the State Bank of India to ensure a smooth examination process. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in denial of entry or disqualification.

Admit Card and Photograph

• Candidates must carry their SBI PO Admit Card to the examination centre.

• The admit card contains important information such as the exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and examination venue.

• A recent passport-size photograph should be pasted on the hall ticket wherever instructed.

Reach the Exam Centre Early

Candidates are advised to report to the examination centre well before the reporting time to complete document verification, biometric attendance, and security checks. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the gate closing time.

Electronic Devices Strictly Prohibited

Candidates are not permitted to carry any electronic gadgets inside the examination hall, including:

• Mobile phones

• Bluetooth devices

• Earphones

• Microphones

• Pagers

• Health bands

• Electronic pens or scanners

• Any other communication devices

Stationery and Study Material Not Allowed

The following items are strictly prohibited inside the examination centre:

• Printed or handwritten notes

• Books and notebooks

• Loose sheets or bits of paper

• Geometry box

• Pencil box

• Plastic pouch

• Calculator

• Scale

• Writing pad

• Pen drives

• Log tables

• Any textual material

Personal Accessories Not Permitted

Candidates should avoid carrying the following items:

• Goggles

• Handbags

• Hair pins

• Hair bands

• Belts

• Caps

• Watches or wristwatches

• Cameras

• Metallic objects of any kind

Food and Water Guidelines

No food items, whether packed or unpacked, are allowed inside the examination centre. However, candidates may carry only a transparent water bottle, as permitted under the examination guidelines.

Important Advice for Candidates

Candidates should carefully verify all details printed on their admit card before the examination day. They should also plan their travel in advance and reach the venue early to avoid delays caused by traffic or security checks. Since the SBI PO Preliminary Examination is conducted under strict supervision, candidates must fully comply with all instructions issued by the examination authorities.

With 1,500 Probationary Officer vacancies on offer, aspirants are encouraged to remain calm, manage their time effectively during the examination, and follow all exam-day protocols for a hassle-free experience.